How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Brooklyn, United States

1. Smorgasborg

A popular food hall in Williamsburg offering various cuisines. Avoid peak hours for shorter lines and reasonable prices.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during non-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid long waits.
Local Food Spots: Explore local food spots around the area for authentic Brooklyn dining experience.
Budget Management: Manage your budget by choosing wisely from the various food vendors available.

Iconic beach and amusement park with overpriced attractions. Visit during off-season or plan ahead for cheaper experiences.

Off-Season Travel: Visit Coney Island during the off-season (fall/winter) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Attraction Deals: Look for group or advance purchase deals on rides and attractions.
Alternative Activities: Consider alternative activities like swimming, beach lounging, or exploring the boardwalk when visiting Coney Island.

One of NYC's most famous landmarks with tourist-priced souvenirs and food. Bring water and snacks or find local spots nearby.

Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a map to avoid expensive food and beverage options.
Local Eateries: Explore nearby neighborhoods for local eateries offering more affordable meals.
Off-Hours Walk: Consider visiting the bridge during off-hours for a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.

Tourist hotspot known for overpriced shops and crowded spots. Visit during off-peak hours or explore hidden gems nearby.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit DUMBO early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.
Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known spots like Washington Street Park or Empire Fulton Ferry Park.
Local Shops: Look for local shops and eateries in nearby neighborhoods for a more authentic experience.

Home to popular events with inflated ticket prices. Check local alternative venues or plan ahead for cheaper tickets.

Alternative Venues: Consider smaller, local venues for live music and performances.
Advance Ticket Purchase: Purchase tickets in advance to secure better prices.
Group or Student Discounts: Look for group or student discounts when purchasing event tickets.

Annual Fourth of July event with overpriced food and crowded viewing areas. Watch online or find a nearby spot to enjoy the celebration.

Watch Online: Watch the contest online from the comfort of your home or hotel room.
Find a Nearby Viewing Spot: Find a nearby park or viewing spot to enjoy the festivities without the crowds and high prices.
Street Food Alternatives: Try street food from local vendors around the event area for more affordable dining options.

Panoramic views of NYC skyline but with expensive food and souvenirs. Pack a picnic or explore the neighborhood.

Pack a Picnic: Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy while taking in the views.
Explore Neighborhoods: Discover nearby neighborhoods like Cobble Hill or Boerum Hill for local dining options.
Off-Hours Viewing: Visit during off-hours to avoid crowds and enjoy the views peacefully.

Trendy neighborhood with tourist traps like overpriced bars and shops. Explore local gems or find alternative destinations.

Local Gems: Seek out lesser-known restaurants, shops, and attractions in Williamsburg.
Alternative Destinations: Consider visiting nearby neighborhoods like Greenpoint or Bushwick for a different experience.
Time Management: Plan your time wisely to make the most of your visit while avoiding overpriced areas.

Iconic street art hotspot with inflated prices for food and souvenirs. Bring water and snacks or find local eateries nearby.

Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a map to avoid expensive food and beverage options.
Local Eateries: Explore nearby neighborhoods for local eateries offering more affordable meals.
Off-Hours Exploration: Visit during off-hours to avoid crowds and take in the street art peacefully.

Beautiful park with overpriced food carts and tourist-oriented services. Pack a picnic or explore the surrounding neighborhood.

Pack a Picnic: Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy while exploring the park.
Explore Neighborhoods: Discover nearby neighborhoods like Prospect Heights or Park Slope for local dining options.
Off-Hours Exploration: Visit during off-hours to avoid crowds and enjoy the park peacefully.

Historic cemetery with tourist traps like overpriced shops and food. Bring water and snacks or explore local spots nearby.

Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a map to avoid expensive food and beverage options.
Local Eateries: Explore nearby neighborhoods for local eateries offering more affordable meals.
Off-Hours Exploration: Visit during off-hours to avoid crowds and take in the historic beauty peacefully.

Industrial waterfront area with tourist traps like overpriced shops and food. Bring water and snacks or find local eateries nearby.

Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and a map to avoid expensive food and beverage options.
Local Eateries: Explore nearby neighborhoods for local eateries offering more affordable meals.
Off-Hours Exploration: Visit during off-hours to avoid crowds and take in the industrial beauty peacefully.

Well-known museum with tourist-priced admission fees and food. Check for discounts or explore free attractions nearby.

Discounted Admission: Check for student, senior, or group discounts when purchasing museum tickets.
Free Attractions: Explore nearby parks, street art, or local attractions that are free to visit.
Off-Hours Visits: Visit during off-hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter museum experience.

Famous pizzeria with long lines and overpriced slices. Visit during off-peak hours or explore alternative pizzerias nearby.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid long lines.
Alternative Pizzerias: Explore nearby pizzerias offering a more authentic Brooklyn pizza experience.
Budget Management: Manage your budget by choosing wisely from the various food vendors available.

Overpriced subway and bus rides in Brooklyn. Purchase MetroCards or passes for cheaper fares.

MetroCard: Purchase a MetroCard for unlimited rides within a specified time period.
Passes: Look for day, weekend, or weekly passes for cheaper fares.
Avoid Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours (morning and evening rush) to save on travel costs.